Watch for rocky start zones where the snowpack varies from thick to to thin. Weak layers are more easily triggered here.
Read the latest forecaster blog for more information on managing buried weak layers.
Watch for wind loaded terrain features from southerly winds. Back off slopes that sounds drummy and hollow. Avalanches triggered in wind-loaded terrain could step down to deeper weak layers, creating larger than expected avalanches.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally weak, facetted and contains multiple buried weak layers. A layer of facets surface hoar, and/or crust buried 30 to 60 cm deep continues to produce test results that indicate it could be triggered by riders. Avalanches may be larger than you expect due to the depth of buried weak layers.
No recent avalanche activity has been reported in the region. However, there have been a number of recent reports of spooky snowpack test results.
Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
30 to 60 cm of surface snow is found in areas sheltered from the wind, which sits over a generally weak, facetted snowpack with multiple buried weak layers. Wind-exposed terrain has been affected from strong southerly winds, leaving firm surfaces Wind slabs may be found in lee terrain features, which may sit over a layer of surface hoar and/or crust.
Two layers of concern exist in this snowpack:
A layer of facets, crust and surface hoar that was buried around Christmas and found around 30 to 60 cm from the surface.
A layer of large, weak facets buried in November and found near the bottom of the snowpack. This layer is likely most problematic in alpine terrain, where shallower avalanches could scrub down to these basal facets. These layers may persist for some time, as described in our Forecasters' blog.
Snowpack depths are roughly 100 to 175 cm at treeline.
Friday Night
Trace amounts of snow with moderate southwest winds. Freezing levels drop to 500 m overnight for much of the region. Remaining above 1000 m in the far east.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm. Moderate southwest wind. Freezing levels 1100 m. Alpine high of -5 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Light southeast wind. Alpine high of -6 °C. Freezing levels around 500 m.
Monday
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Light southerly wind. Alpine high of -6 °C. Freezing levels around 500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
